(とり)()

とりのす
noun
bird's nest
1. bird's nest; a nest built by a bird for laying eggs and raising chicks
A structure made by a bird from twigs, grass, mud, and other materials to hold eggs and shelter young birds. Also used figuratively for tangled, messy hair.
()(うえ)(とり)()がある。
There's a bird's nest in the tree.
(とり)()(たまご)(みっ)つあった。
There were three eggs in the bird's nest.
(はる)になると、ツバメが軒下(のきした)(とり)()(つく)る。
When spring comes, swallows build nests under the eaves.

Literally "(とり) (bird) + の (possessive) + () (nest)." A basic compound for one of the most common natural objects.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (とり)()(つく)る: to build a bird's nest
  • (とり)()()つける: to find a bird's nest
  • (とり)()のような(かみ): hair like a bird's nest (tangled, messy)
  • (とり)()(ばこ): nesting box, birdhouse

FIGURATIVE USE:
(とり)()みたいな(かみ) ("hair like a bird's nest") describes extremely tangled, unkempt hair — the same metaphor exists in English.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (): nest — the general word for any animal's home or dwelling place
  • 巣箱(すばこ): nesting box, birdhouse — an artificial nest provided for birds
  • (はち)(): beehive/wasp nest — a nest made by bees or wasps
  • 巣穴(すあな): burrow, den — an underground animal dwelling